How to improve WordPress security

WordPress is the backbone of most websites online, and thus it’s the go-to for bloggers, businesses, and developers. But its popularity also makes it a prime target for hackers. Securing your WordPress site is important for protecting your data, users, and reputation. Here are ten essential tips on how to improve WordPress security tailored for cPanel users with access to WordPress management tools. If you are looking for affordable WordPress hosting solutions, try checking out Veeble hosting.

Using cPanel’s WordPress Manager, you can quickly keep your WordPress core, themes, and plugins updated. With the WordPress Toolkit in cPanel, you can enable automated updates for all the components, thereby ensuring that your site is kept secure against any known vulnerabilities.

Restrict access to your WordPress admin page (wp-admin) using IP restrictions available in cPanel. Navigate to the “IP Blocker” tool to block unauthorized IP addresses. Alternatively, configure .htaccess rules in the File Manager to safelist specific IPs for accessing your admin page.

Only download themes from trusted sources via the WordPress Manager in cPanel. You can upload certified themes directly via the WordPress Toolkit or the File Manager. You should avoid downloading from third-party sites that are not well known or reputable.

Installing an SSL certificate through cPanel is a simple process. You can use the “SSL/TLS” tool or the “Let’s Encrypt SSL” feature to secure your website with HTTPS. Additionally, you can explore Veeble’s SSL certificate options available on our website. After the SSL is installed, you can enforce HTTPS redirection using the WordPress Toolkit or by editing the .htaccess file.

Many of the WordPress management tools that come bundled with cPanel support security plugins for implementing two-factor authentication. Use security plugins like Google Authenticator to set up 2FA using the WordPress Manager in cPanel, which helps secure the login process.

cPanel provides you with backup options such as “Backup Wizard” to back up your WordPress site. Set up automatic backups of files and databases so that you can recover your site in case of a security breach.

cPanel includes ImunifyAV as a standard malware protection tool, helping detect potentially malicious files on your website. However, upgrading to Imunify360 provides enhanced security with features and seamless backup integration. These advanced protections help prevent attacks before they happen, ensuring your site remains secure. For WordPress users, Veeble’s hosting plans come with Imunify360 as standard to safeguard your website from threats in real time.

To prevent unauthorized changes to your theme or plugin files, disable file editing using the WordPress Toolkit in cPanel. Alternatively, edit the wp-config.php file directly in the File Manager and add the following line:

define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);     // Disable file editing

Hide your WordPress version to minimize exposure to targeted attacks. Many security plugins available through cPanel’s WordPress Manager include options to hide your WordPress version. Alternatively, you can add this code to your theme’s functions.php file:

// Remove WordPress version

remove_action(‘wp_head’, ‘wp_generator’);

Prevent other websites from consuming your bandwidth by blocking hotlinking. The “Hotlink Protection” feature in cPanel will also prevent direct linking to your images. This tool allows you to specify domains that can use your site’s resources.

Secure your WordPress site using the management tools of cPanel to provide a quick and effective way of having strong protection. The following ten steps will help minimize the risk of security breaches and give your users a safe browsing experience. Remember, vigilance is the watchword for a secure website.